I have a good friend who has …. a calling, I guess you’d call it … to take in needy cats. She has adopted two blind cats and one who was born with respiratory problems.
She’s also concerned with the feral cats that she sometimes seems roaming about her neighborhood, especially now that winter is upon us. Not only does she want to offer them a place that’s warm and dry, but she especially wants to keep them safe from predators as much as possible.
So she’s thinking of investing in a durable outdoor cat house that will hold at least two, if not three, cats at a time so any homeless cats can seek refuge when they need it.
I thought this was an interesting — and admirable — idea, so I did some research and came up with a list of the top outdoor cat houses for multiple cats.
At the bottom of this post I’ve also included a handy buyers guide so that you — and my friend — know exactly what to look for when choosing your outdoor kitty home.
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Wooden Outdoor Cat House with Large Balcony
Kitty City Outdoor Stackable Cat HousePetsfit Outdoor Cat CondoK&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty House
K&H Outdoor Multi-Kitty House Cat Shelter
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty House Cat Shelter
The K&H Outdoor Multi-Kitty House Cat Shelter with a heating pad is an excellent option if you have several kitties who love to snuggle up in a warm area. The best part is that you can purchase a heated or unheated version.
The house measures 21.5 by 26.5 by 15.5 inches and is completely encased in thick canvas-like material, making it easy to wash with a hose and sponge.
The fleece-covered heated floor pad acts as both insulation and a heat source, since it covers all the seams around the bottom inside.
This house is pricey, but it offers excellent value if you’re trying to house several cats, as kitties even love sleeping on top of the cat shelter on warmer days – that’s cats for you!
However, several reviewers have complained about the fact that the shelter is not entirely waterproof, so it’s best for cat lovers who are able to place it under a gazebo or deck where there is little precipitation.
(You can read all the negative one-star reviews here.)
K&H also offers an unheated option should you prefer a cat shelter without the electronic heat mad.
PETYELLA Heated cat House for Outdoor Cats
PETYELLA Heated cat House for Outdoor Cats in Winter
The Petyella heated cat houses are probably the best winter outdoor cat shelters on the market, especially if you have a lot of feral “visitors” that you want to keep warm.
The shelter is perfectly insulated with two see-through doors, including a heated pad that features a nibble-proof cord. Moreover, it also has a handy timer.
In a nut-shell – it has every conceivable feature you would need in the dead of winter to safeguard your feline fur babies.
However, certain Amazon reviewers are not that enamored with this product as they complained about the shelter’s size, and others were disappointed that their kitties were simply not interested in the shelter.
On the plus side – more reviewers raved about the fact that it is the best outdoor heated shelter, and even though it’s meant for only one cat – their kitties loved snuggling in it.
Although should you have a Garfield-sized kitty, or multiple feral friends, it might be wise to rather invest in two of these charming Petyella heated cat houses, and you can choose from three cute designs.
Alternatively, have a look at these tremendous single-heated homes: PawHut Indoor Outdoor Portable Heated Cat Home or the K&H Outdoor Heated Cat House.
Petsfit Outdoor Cat Tree Condo
Petsfit Outdoor Cat Tree Condo
The Petsfit multilevel outdoor cat house is a fantastic — and rather stylish — multi-level ashelter made from robust Finnish spruce material with an entirely water-resistant asphalt roof.
But its most outstanding feature is that the house is raised from the ground, which keeps rain at bay.
The condo measure 30 by 28.7 x 56.4 inches. Both roof boards are removable, making it easier to clean.
Furthermore, it has lots of adequately sized escape holes which will allow your kitties to get away from predators and keep water at bay. (Also your kitties might enjoy playing and running through the hole, as kitties are prone to do.)
One reviewer remarked that that escape holes initially looked too small for her tubby cats, but they were surprisingly big enough.
Even her big ol’ 16 pound fur baby could get through the smallest escape hole, and they love playing in it as this house doubles up as a “catio.”
Another great perk is that it is super easy to assemble (thanks to the pre-drilled holes and labeled screws) — which is always a big plus in my book!
(Reviewers said that assembly took about an hour. Also note that all instructions are graphical, without any written instructions.)
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty A-Frame House
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty A-Frame House
The K&H A-Frame Outdoor Kitty House Cat has an 80% five-star rating, with over 1,090 5-star reviews at the time of this writing.
Made of mesh fabric and measuring 35 by 20.5 by 20 inches, it’s a perfect weather-resistant insulated cat enclosure — whether it’s for your kitty prefers the great outdoors or if you want to provide shelter for feral cats in your area.
Furthermore, it includes escape routes and clear, removable door flaps that will protect your kitties in inclement weather.
It also provides a cat cave for fur babies who tend to sleep on porches, garages, and in barns or icy parts of your home.
One rave reviewer said that the A-Frame house was an excellent purchase for her feral kitties, who have grown to love their new home:
… We live in a townhouse community and I have been feeding this group [of feral kitties] for a few years now. Our last winter was pretty mild, but the winter on the horizon seems like it might be a bit more harsh.
I chose the A-frame as it looked like it would house at least 2-3. It is very roomy inside! I also chose the unheated house because there is no outlet out there and because the area is not really protected from the elements—there is only a slight overhang from the roof of the townhouse …
I purchased a self-heating crate pad and I also weatherproofed house with a tough waterproofing spray in hopes that it will protect it from the elements and keep the kitties dry while prolonging the life of the house. On other reviewer’s recommendations, I placed the house on a pad of bricks. The house was ready and I put it out before a big rain storm. The kitties went right in!! I peeked out later after the rain began, and there were 3 inside comfortably! The spray seems to be doing the job—it was dry inside after the 3 rain storms we have had and the water beads right off …
All in all, the kitties really seem to love it, which in turn, makes me love it! It is well-made, roomy, looks really nice and is providing some shelter to these kitties I’ve grown to love. I really think the spray made for outdoor gear made a huge difference …
My only complaint would be the areas between the Velcro where the walls fit together have some small gaps. I may affix some extra Velcro. Other than that, this is an excellent solution to offer some protection to my feral friends and has probably secured my rep as a Cat Lady in the ‘hood …
K&H Pet Products Waterproof Outdoor Heated Cat House
K&H Pet Products Waterproof Outdoor Heated Cat House
While the K&H Thermo Mod Kitty Shelter is not a suitable heated home for multiple rotund cats (like, um, one of mine,) it’s a great option if your cats are petite and need a cuddling spot.
Especially if some of your cats can’t stand each other, and you want to shelter one of them at a time – it even has two accessible escape routes.
Furthermore, it has a comfortable floor, handy zipped roof, and removable door flaps.
The home is available in a heated option tested for safety in MET Labs and an unheated option that includes a polyester Berber pad.
The home’s vinyl backing, and sturdy nylon structure makes it more weatherproof, including the overhang, which insolates the house to a certain extent.
However, dissatisfied Amazon customers have pointed out that it is not entirely waterproof, and they had to take extra precautions to insulate the house properly.
The Kitty Tube with Pillow Insulated Cat House
The Kitty Tube with Pillow – Outdoor Insulated Cat House
Here’s a very different-looking cat house.
It have elevated floor insulation and a specialized flow-through foam layer that keeps all moisture from ever reaching the bed area.
It comes with a custom, machine washable pet bed, awnings, and a removable, clear flap door. It has a
unique door design to protect your cats from predators and handles that can be adjusted to keep cats cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
It measure 24 by 24 by 23 inches
Reviewers like the simplicity of the design and the fact that it was made of plastic and therefore durable.
However, it’s important to note that, while the company boasts a “unique one door design [that] provides easy passage for your cat while not allowing predators, like dogs or coyotes, to be able to get to your cat” several reviewers were concerned about the safety of there being no second “escape door.”
Wooden Outdoor Cat House with Large Balcony
Wooden Outdoor Cat House with Large Balcony
This outdoor wooden cat cando has two levels, two front doors with PVC curtain and side platforms, an elevated floor, and a waterproof asphalt roof. IIt’s large and sturdy enough 2 cats up to 18 pounds each.
It measures 37 by 30.5 by 33.5 inches.
Kitty City Outdoor Stackable Cat House
Kitty City Outdoor Stackable Cat House
The Kitty City Outdoor Cat House is a relatively affordable option if you want to shelter feral kittens or small cats from the elements on a porch, garage, or a barn. It is crafted from water-resistant, durable fabric which is easy to stack in twos.
But the best part is that it has removable cat flaps, which is great if your kitties must still figure out how those strange “contraptions” works…
To illustrate my point, read this glowing product review from a devoted fan who said that once her feral kittens spotted the new house – it was love at first sight. She added that it was not only economical, but it worked a treat – with an added “meow” salutation for good measure.
There was one reviewer who said her Main Koon got stuck at the entrance (no surprises there), so that’s something to be aware of.
Other than that – feral kittens will love it!
ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House
ecoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral Cat House
The New Age Pet Ecoflex Albany Cat House is ideal for feral kittens or petite cats who love cuddling.
It is crafted from durable ecoFLEX material that will not warp, rot, or crack like other multi-cat homes. But the best part — especially for people like me — is that you won’t need any tools to assemble the shelter.
Another plus is the second door in this house, which will give you peace of mind knowing that your feline friends won’t get trapped inside by prey and be unable to escape.
While this is not a cheap cat house, pet owners tend to absolutely love it due to its sleek modern design (as one reviewer put it, “It doesn’t look like an eyesore in your garden”), ease of assembly, and its durability.
However, don’t take my word for it – have a look at this positively glowing review by a satisfied customer who bought two ecoFLEX Albany structures, who added some personal touches to safeguard her kitties in inclement weather:
… The units are sturdy and well-made … I made a few modifications.
- First, I insulated the inside of each shelter using the mylar bubble wrap insulate, including a double layer for the floor.
- I sealed the seams with duct tape to prevent air drafts.
- I then added straw (which retains heat and doesn’t grow mold) so the cats can nest inside.
- I also added straw and styrofoam beneath each unit so there was a layer of warmth to prevent air drafts from beneath. The feral cats took to these fairly quickly and sleep in them consistently, both on wintry nights and sometimes even during the day.
- During the coldest temps, I also used “snugglesafe pet warmer” (available on amazon) which is a gel disc that can be microwaved and retains heat for 8 hours.
The only downside I could find about the ecoFlex Cat House is that it does not include a heated pad, and you would have to place a shield in front of the entrance to ensure that your fur babies stay dry.
Other than that – it’s a great buy!
Buyers Guide: Best Outdoor Cat Houses For Multiple Cats
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the outdoor cat house that’s right for you and your outdoor feline friends:
Size Considerations
If you are looking for a home for several feral kitties, look for the biggest, multi-story cat house you can find to give them enough room to move in.
Predator Safeguards For Multiple Cat Homes
If you reside in an area prone to deadly predators, invest in a cat home with an escape hatch at the back that is preferably tall, lifted off the ground, and structurally solid to prevent curious animals from snooping in.
Weatherproofing
It’s essential to consider which area outdoors will shield your kitties the most in inclement weather conditions.
Outdoor cat houses for garages and barns can sit flash on the ground if it is crafted from polyester or sturdy Oxford materials.
Choose a well-crafted robust wooden structure elevated from the ground if your only option is an exposed location.
Insulation
Here are two great options to insulate your kitty home in preparation for harsh winters:
- Option 1 – Heating Pads To Insulate Outdoor Cat Houses
If your chosen home does not include a heating pad, simply purchase one from a reputable company that supplies pads with MET safety labels. Most importantly, make sure that it is approved for outdoor use.These heated pads start emanating heat when your kitty lounges around on them. Please test the product by placing a cushion on the surface for approximately 20 minutes.
On that note – it’s essential not to place any items on it once the heating pad is installed in your kitty’s new home.
- Option 2 – Straw Insulation To Insulate Outdoor Cat Houses
Straw is a tremendous natural insulating material that repels damp and keeps your kitties nice and dry.Blankets, towels, and newspapers all tend to retain moisture and mold. Damp bedding will not retain heat and could even endanger your fur baby’s health due to mold spores.
Good quality straw is available online or at garden centers and pet product suppliers.
If you are ready to create a cozy little bed, simply pack the straw lightly in the shelter at a depth that would be easy for your kitties to move around on. Once they are settled inside, the shape of their bodies will create a snuggly little bed. Store the remaining straw in a dry area for the next season.
Tips To Tempt Multiple Cats Into Their New Outdoor Cat House
If you are battling to convince your fur babies to use their new condo, especially cautious feral kitties, try tempting them with catnip or place the home in an area where they have naps.
Another slternative is remove the home’s roof or flaps.
With patience, they will be gently snoring away in no time!